February 11, 2009

In one book (The Thin Blue Line: How Humanitarianism Went to War), “Conor Foley, an experienced relief worker, laments the transformation of humanitarianism into an aspect of politics,” while in the other (The Responsibility to Protect: Ending Mass Atrocity Crimes Once and for All), “Gareth Evans, a doughty Australian politician and head of the International Crisis Group, argues for something like its institutionalization.”

Even if you don’t run out to purchase or borrow these books, the review itself is worth a read for students who would like more of a feel for some of the players in this debate.

Pokfulam Reservoir

About This Blog

This blog was started by Dr. Lucy Cummings (LMCinHK) as a platform for MIPA (Master of International and Public Affairs) students at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) to publicly grapple with a broad range of international relations theories and questions. It has now been reincarnated to serve a broader group of HKU students who are focusing on questions of IR as well as Human Security. We have chosen this public forum to share our views in the hope that the threat of a bit of public humiliation will help sharpen our thinking. Your comments & questions are welcome.